Joint-sealing element with predetermined geometry and sealing arrangement with such a joint-sealing element

ABSTRACT

A joint-sealing element for sealing building-structure joints is described, especially for sealing against sound and/or smoke and if necessary against fire. In particular, a joint-sealing element for sealing on a building construction and/or on a building structure is described, especially for sealing a joint between a first building part and a second building part, with a carrier element and a sealing profile disposed on this carrier element, wherein the disposed sealing profile has a predetermined geometry. 
     Furthermore, a sealing arrangement as well as a method for sealing building-structure joints is described, especially for sealing against sound and/or smoke and if necessary against fire, with such a joint-sealing element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a joint-sealing element for sealingjoints on a building construction and/or on a building structure,especially for sealing against sound and smoke and if necessary againstfire. In particular, the invention relates to acoustic, smokeproofand/or fireproof sealing of connecting joints in drywalls, especially ofexpansion joints.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Connecting joints are usually formed when different building parts meet.Connecting joints are found in the region of connection to the ceilingof a building level, to the floor and to massive walls. Due to weightloading and/or thermal influences, the ceiling in buildings may beforced upward or downward. To prevent damage to the drywall, the upperconnecting joint in this case is made as an expansion joint. Thus jointsfor creating discontinuities in building parts in order to preventstress cracking are known as expansion joints. The ceiling profile ismade in such a way that a relative movement between ceiling profile andthe vertical wall components is possible.

In general, a channel profile constituting part of the studwork isfastened to the connecting building parts. The gypsum boards themselvesare attached at a well-defined spacing to the connecting building part.Usually sealing of the system is provided in the gap between gypsumboard and ceiling. For this purpose, either a suitable sealing compoundis introduced or else the gap is filled with mineral wool and providedat the surface with a sealing layer. In both cases, the material presentin the joint presents relatively strong resistance to movement, with theconsequence that comparatively large joint widths are necessary in orderto achieve adequate movement absorption.

In particular, sealing of the gap with sealing compound has somedisadvantages. The application of a conventional sealing compound inorder to achieve sufficient sealing of the gap is impacted very severelyby long curing times, depending on curing temperature as well as dosingof the correct quantity. It is particularly laborious, and in the courseof time the sealing tends to crack when overloaded. Furthermore, sealingcan be performed only after the gypsum boards have been mounted, and itrequires access to the finished drywall from both sides. Furthermore,this procedure is error-prone, since the user himself or herself mustdose the correct quantity of material in order to seal the gapadequately. Above and beyond this, the drywall builder must make thewidth of the joint correspond to the material and expansion propertiesof the sealing compound. During installation of the sealing compound,nothing but the joint can be filled. During expansion of the gap, itmust be ensured that the sealing compound adheres sufficiently stronglyto the underlying surface and that it is able to absorb the tensileforces that develop. Frequently this not the case, and the danger existsthat the sealing compound will become detached from the underlyingsurface or that the sealing compound itself will be overloaded and tear.In the case of a narrower gap, the sealing compound can be compressed toonly a limited extent, because of its material properties, and thedanger exists that it will be forced out of the gap if the joint isincorrectly dimensioned. Due to the limited expansion and compressioncapability of the sealing compound (max. +1-25%), it is very importantto ensure adequately large dimensioning of the spacing between gypsumboard and ceiling. This is frequently underestimated, and so adequateimperviousness often cannot be guaranteed during use of customarysealing compounds.

Some further approaches exist for sealing of joints, especially jointcords or joint sprays, which to some extent suffer from the samedisadvantages as have been described for sealing compounds. Inparticular, a joint-sealing element is known from U.S. Pat. No.8,584,415 B2, but it consists of a hollow rubber profile and so ischaracterized by poor compressibility and thus deformability. Suchhollow rubber profiles are compressed in upward direction duringinstallation with the gypsum board, which among other problems may leadto poor sealing at the abutting surface.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a joint-sealingelement that avoids the disadvantages of the known materials, that inparticular is easier and safer to use, simplifies the mounting offurther building parts, ensures good sealing as soon as it is appliedand ensures excellent imperviousness with maximum absorption ofmovement. In particular, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a joint-sealing element that can be readily compressed anddeformed, and with which improved evening out of irregularities,improved installation, e.g. simple laying even around a corner, andimproved sealing, e.g. when several joint-sealing elements are abuttedagainst one another, can be achieved.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method forsealing a joint that can be accomplished simply, is reliable with littlework effort and leads without defects to sealing of a joint between twojuxtaposed building parts of a building construction and/or of abuilding structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an arrangementthat, in the event of fire, permits better sealing of the joint betweentwo building parts, especially between a drywall and a connectingbuilding part, such as a wall, a ceiling or a floor, and thus providesbetter and durable sealing against sound and/or smoke and if necessarybetter and durable fire protection, and can be mounted reliably and freeof defects with little work effort.

This and further objects that will become apparent from the descriptionof the invention hereinafter are achieved by the present invention, asdescribed in the independent claims. The dependent claims relate topreferred embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a joint-sealing element for sealing ajoint on a building construction and/or on a building structure,especially for sealing a joint between a first building part and asecond building part, with a carrier element and a sealing profiledisposed on this carrier element, wherein the disposed sealing profilehas a predetermined geometry. Preferably, the sealing profile ispositioned on the outer periphery of the carrier element.

The present invention further relates to a method for sealing a jointbetween two juxtaposed building parts of a building construction and/orof a building structure with at least one first building part, onesecond building part and the inventive joint-sealing element.

The present invention further relates to a sealing arrangement forsealing a joint between two juxtaposed building parts of a buildingconstruction and/or of a building structure with at least one firstbuilding part, one second building part and the joint-sealing elementdescribed in the foregoing, wherein the sealing profile is positioned inthe lower region of the joint and is configured to seal the joint fromthe outside.

Some other objects and features of this invention are obvious and somewill be explained hereinafter. In particular, the subject matter of thepresent invention will be described in detail by reference to thefollowing figures:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1a shows a sketched front view of a joint-sealing element accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sealing profilehas a solid profile and round profile and the carrier element has afastening region.

FIG. 1b shows a cross section through a joint-sealing element accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sealing profilehas a solid profile and round profile and the carrier element has afastening region.

FIG. 2a shows a sketched front view of a joint-sealing element accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sealing profilehas a solid profile and wedge profile and the carrier element has afastening region.

FIG. 2b shows a cross section through a joint-sealing element accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sealing profilehas a solid profile and wedge profile and the carrier element has afastening region.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show positionings of joint-sealing elements according tovarious embodiments of the present invention on a first building part.

FIGS. 4a to 4c show the stepwise procedure for sealing a joint betweentwo juxtaposed building parts of a building element by means of theembodiment of an inventive joint-sealing element shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b.

FIGS. 5a to 5c show the stepwise procedure for sealing a joint betweentwo juxtaposed building parts of a building element by means of theembodiment of an inventive joint-sealing element shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

FIG. 6 shows a sketched sealing arrangement with the embodiment of aninventive joint-sealing element shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b.

FIG. 7 shows a sketched sealing arrangement with the embodiment of aninventive joint-sealing element shown in FIGS. 2a and 2 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following terms are used within the scope of the present invention:

Within the scope of the present invention, the term “geometry /geometries” comprises various cross-section types and cross-sectionshapes. This means that the sealing profile in particular may havedifferent cross-section types and cross-section shapes. Cross-sectiontypes are understood among other possibilities as round profile (roundcross section), oval profile (oval cross section), wedge profile (wedgecross section), polygonal profile (polygonal cross section), especiallysquare profile (square cross section), rectangular profile (rectangularcross section), parallelogram profile (cross section in the shape of aparallelogram), triangular profile (triangular cross section),Christmas-tree profile (Christmas-tree-shaped cross section),semicircular profile (semicircular cross section), etc., among others.Cross-sectional shapes are understood as solid profile and hollowprofile, wherein solid profile means that the sealing profile consistscompletely of sealing material while the hollow profile means that thesealing profile consists only partly of sealing material.

Within the scope of the present invention, the term “deformable” meansthat irregularities in the building part, against which the sealingprofile is pressed, can be evened out. In this connection, “plasticallydeformable” means that the sealing profile is deformable and no longerreturns to its original shape after deformation. Analogously,“elastically deformable” means that the sealing profile is deformableand returns to its original shape after deformation, i.e. the materialcan be deformed reversibly to a certain extent.

The terms “exhibit”, “with” and “have” are intended to be inclusive andmean that elements other than those cited may also be meant.

Within the scope of the present invention, the term “intumescence” meansthat, under the effect of heat, for example in the event of a fire, thematerial swells and forms an insulating layer of flame-retardantmaterial, i.e. intumesces.

Within the scope of the present invention, “slow-burning foam” isunderstood as a foam that offers no possibility of fire propagation dueto the foam, is not spontaneously flammable and also does not drip.

“Positioned in the lower region of the joint” means that the sealingprofile is disposed, especially laterally, on an upper end edge of thefirst building part, preferably a drywall.

As used within the scope of the present invention, the singular forms“one”, “a” and “an” also include the corresponding plural forms, unlesssomething different can be inferred unambiguously from the relationship.Thus, for example, the term “one” is intended to mean “one or more” or“at least one”, unless otherwise indicated.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a joint-sealing elementfor sealing a joint on a building construction and/or on a buildingstructure, especially for sealing a joint between a first building partand a second building part, wherein the joint-sealing element comprisesa carrier element and a sealing profile disposed on this carrier elementand is characterized in that the disposed sealing profile has apredetermined geometry.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method forsealing a joint between two juxtaposed building parts of a buildingconstruction and/or of a building structure with at least one firstbuilding part, one second building part and the inventive joint-sealingelement.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a sealingarrangement for sealing a joint between two juxtaposed building parts ofa building construction and/or of a building structure with at least onefirst building part, one second building part and the inventivejoint-sealing element, wherein the sealing profile is positioned in thelower region of the joint and is configured to seal the joint from theoutside.

It has been discovered that the inventive joint-sealing element isparticularly suitable for safely sealing, in simple manner, abuilding-structure joint between two adjacent building parts, especiallyagainst sound and/or smoke and if necessary also against fire. For thejoint-sealing element to be able to fulfill its function, the sealingprofile of the joint-sealing element must have a predetermined geometry.Furthermore, the joint-sealing element must be positioned in the lowerregion of the joint and be configured such that it can seal the jointfrom the outside.

Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to describe thejoint-sealing element. In particular, it is an objective of the presentinvention to describe the geometry of the sealing profile in detail.Furthermore, it is an objective of the present invention to describe thepositioning of the joint-sealing element, especially a sealingarrangement as well as a method for sealing a joint between twojuxtaposed building parts of a building construction and/or of abuilding structure with at least one building part, one second buildingpart.

The inventive joint-sealing element for sealing a joint on a buildingconstruction and/or on a building structure, especially for sealing ajoint between a first building part and a second building part, whereinthe joint-sealing element comprises a carrier element and a sealingprofile disposed on this carrier element, is characterized in that thedisposed sealing profile has a predetermined geometry. As alreadymentioned hereinabove, geometries within the scope of the presentinvention comprise various cross-section types and cross-section shapes.

Preferred cross-section types of the sealing profile of thejoint-sealing element according to the present invention are solidprofiles and if necessary hollow profiles, wherein the hollow profilemay be a closed or open hollow profile, preferably with a wall thicknessof >2 mm. Solid profiles and hollow profiles with large profile wallthicknesses have the advantage that automatically no gaps develop at theabutting surface between two sealing profiles in contact with oneanother. It is particularly preferred for the sealing profile to have asolid profile.

Preferred cross-section shapes of the sealing profile of thejoint-sealing element according to the present invention are roundprofile, oval profile, wedge profile, polygonal profile, especiallyrectangular profile, square profile, parallelogram profile, triangularprofile, Christmas-tree profile and semicircular profile. Round profile,oval profile and wedge profile are particularly preferred, but roundprofile is the most preferred. Nevertheless, other or mixedcross-section shapes are also conceivable and possible, as long as thejoint-sealing element is adjacent to both building parts afterinstallation of the sealing profile and is able to close the joint thatis present between the building parts.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive joint-sealing element, thesealing profile has a round profile.

In a further preferred embodiment of the inventive joint-sealingelement, the sealing profile has a wedge profile.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive joint-sealingelement, the sealing profile has a solid profile and a round profile.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the inventivejoint-sealing element, the sealing profile has a solid profile and awedge profile.

The geometry of the sealing profile may be prefabricated, for example bywell-defined cutting to size, extrusion or pressing of suitable sealingmaterial or can be manufactured directly from flat material, for exampleby means of folding or rolling from a flat starting material, forexample from fabric, especially from an incombustible material, such asinorganic fibers, for example glass fibers, a nonwoven fabric or thelike. The manufacture of such cross-section types and cross-sectionshapes is known to the person skilled in the art. Preferably thegeometry of the sealing profile is prefabricated by well-defined cuttingto size or extrusion.

The inventive sealing profile may consist of one piece made from onematerial or of multiple parts made from several materials and, forexample, may exist as a layered body. In alternative embodiments, theouter region and the inner region of a sealing profile may defineseparate regions of the sealing profile, which may have differentcross-section shapes and/or cross-section types and/or may consist ofdifferent materials.

According to the invention, the sealing profile consists of a deformablematerial. This material may be either plastically or elasticallydeformable. In particular, the sealing profile consists at least partly,preferably completely of a material that is resilient after compression,such as foam, sponge rubber, cellular rubber or the like. The inventivesealing profile preferably consists of a soft foam that is resilientafter compression. Common foams such as polyethylene and polyurethanefoams or cellular rubber can be mentioned as foam material. This foammay be an open-celled foam with very low air passage resistance, or elsean approximately closed-celled foam with extremely low air permeabilityvalues. Even foams with air permeability values lying between the twoextreme cases mentioned in the foregoing may be used within the scope ofthe present invention. The foam may be impregnated with an impregnatingagent that increases the sealing properties of the foam. In order toachieve imperviousness to smoke, at least the outer surface of thesealing profile must be of closed-pore nature. Alternatively, anopen-celled sealing profile with a cover layer or jacket, for example ofa film, especially plastic film, may be provided. Preferably the sealingprofile consists of an open-celled polyurethane foam or of a cellularrubber.

It has proved advantageous when the sealing profile consists of aslow-burning foam, such a cellular rubber or polyurethane foam, forexample. In the case of a slow-burning foam, there is no possibilitythat fire will be propagated by the foam. Spontaneous inflammation isruled out by the above-mentioned foam-type starting materials. It isalso advantageous that no dripping occurs in the event of fire. Aslow-burning foam should still have at least 20%, still at least 25%,preferably still at least 30%, between 20% and 60%, between 20% and 40%,preferably between 25% and 30% of its initial volume in a temperaturerange between 500° C. and 800° C. Furthermore, a slow-burning foamshould still have at least 10%, at least 20%, preferably still at least30%, between 10% and 40%, between 10% and 30%, preferably between 15%and 20% of its initial mass in a temperature range between 500° C. and800° C.

Furthermore, the material may contain appropriate additives if fireprotection properties such as intumescence, for example, are desired.Under the effect of heat, such as in the event of fire, the materialswells and forms an insulating layer of flame-retardant material. Theformation of a voluminous insulating layer, namely an ash layer, maytake place due to the chemical reaction of a mixture of compounds thatare appropriately matched to one another and that react with one anotherunder the effect of heat. Such systems are known to the person skilledin the art as chemical intumescence, and they may be used according tothe invention.

Alternatively, the voluminous insulating layer may be formed by swellingof an individual compound, which releases gases under the effect ofheat, even though no chemical reaction has occurred between twocompounds. Such systems are known to the person skilled in the art asphysical intumescence, and they may also be used according to theinvention. According to the invention, the two systems may be usedrespectively alone or together as a combination. Preferably the sealingprofile comprises an intumescent material.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive joint-sealing element, thesealing profile consists of an open-celled foam.

In a further preferred embodiment of the inventive joint-sealingelement, the sealing profile consists of a closed-celled foam.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive joint-sealingelement, the sealing profile consists of an open-celled polyurethanefoam.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the inventivejoint-sealing element, the sealing profile consists of a cellularrubber.

The carrier element of the inventive joint-sealing element may consistof a deformable material, which may be the same as that of the sealingprofile, of a film, such as a plastic film, of a fabric, especially of anoncombustible material, such as inorganic fibers, for example glassfibers, a nonwoven or the like. Preferably the carrier element consistsof a plastic, of a plastic film, of a foam, of a fabric, of a nonwoven,of a metal, of a composite material or the like, preferably of a plasticfilm or of a foam. Most preferably, the carrier element consists of afilm.

The carrier element may be made in one piece from one material or inmultiple pieces, even from different materials. Preferably the carrierelement is made in one piece.

The inventive joint-sealing element may be made in one piece from onematerial or in multiple pieces, even from different materials.Preferably the joint-sealing element consists of severalunits/materials. Particularly preferably, the sealing profile consistsof deformable material and the carrier element of a film or fabric.

In one embodiment of the inventive joint-sealing element, the sealingprofile is firmly surrounded at least over part of its circumference bya covering layer or jacket, for example of a film, especially plasticfilm. Thus an open-celled foam material may be used for the sealingprofile.

In one embodiment of the inventive joint-sealing element, the sealingprofile is firmly bonded at least over part of its circumference withthe carrier element. Hereby a firm connection is created between thecarrier element and the sealing profile, so that even if the fasteningregion is exposed to strong stress and strain and the sealing profilebecomes partly detached from the carrier element, complete separation ofthe sealing profile from the carrier element is prevented.

In a further embodiment of the inventive joint-sealing element, thesealing profile is firmly bonded over its entire circumference with thecarrier element. On the one hand, optimum and durable fastening of thesealing profile to the carrier element is achieved hereby, makingseparation of the sealing profile from the carrier element almostimpossible. On the other hand, when the carrier layer is impermeable tosmoke gas, an open-celled foam material may be used for the sealingprofile.

Preferably the sealing profile is disposed on the carrier element; morepreferably the sealing profile is positioned on the outer periphery ofthe carrier element.

The joint-sealing element of the present invention, especially thecarrier element of the joint-sealing element, preferably has at leastone fastening region oriented in the direction of the longitudinalextent of the joint for fastening of the joint-sealing element on aconstruction element of the building construction and/or of the buildingstructure disposed peripherally on the joint. Preferably the at leastone fastening region of the joint-sealing element is provided with anadhesive layer.

The adhesive layer of the inventive joint-sealing element may beproduced in the form of an adhesive layer, especially a self-adhesivelayer, in the form of interlocking or frictionally acting means, such assuitable profiled shapes or putty material or by means of a separatelyapplicable adhesive or the like. Synthetic adhesives such as acrylateadhesives or hot-melt adhesives may be used in the present invention,although silicone-base adhesives are also conceivable. Preferably theadhesive layer of the joint-sealing element is a self-adhesive layer.

Fastening of the joint-sealing element to the first building part may beachieved by fastening means, for example in the form of thejust-mentioned adhesive layer, especially a self-adhesive layer, in theform of interlocking or frictionally acting means, such as suitableprofiled shapes or putty material, by means of a separately applicableadhesive or the like. Fastening may comprise adhesives, screws, dowels,clamps and nails. Preferably the joint-sealing element is fastened tothe first building part by means of a self-adhesive layer. Fastening ofthe inventive joint-sealing element may be applied over an area or onlyat spots.

The inventive method for sealing a joint between two juxtaposed buildingparts of a building construction and/or of a building structure with atleast one first building part, one second building part and theinventive joint-sealing element is characterized in that, in a firststep, the joint-sealing element is positioned and fastened on an endedge of the first building part, especially a drywall, preferably agypsum board and, in a second step, is positioned together with thisbuilding part on the second building part. Preferably the first stepcomprises fastening by adhesives, screws, dowels, clamps and nails. Inparticular, the carrier element can be fastened flush on the upper,inwardly facing, horizontal end edge of a gypsum board.

The dimension and the materials of the joint-sealing element are chosento correspond to the planned use of the joint-sealing element.

In general, the dimension of the joint-sealing element is chosen as afunction of the profiles being used and of the material being used. Thedimension must be chosen such that the joint-sealing element fills thegap between the gypsum board and the ceiling and bears sealingly both onthe ceiling and on the gypsum board. If a vertical movement of thegypsum boards is to be permitted, the joint-sealing element must followthe movement of the gypsum board, to ensure that the contact with thegypsum board is not torn apart and that no spaces can develop betweenjoint-sealing element and gypsum board. For this purpose, the sealingprofile of the joint-sealing element preferably consists of resilientand compressible material and is appropriately precompressed duringmounting of the gypsum board, so that a downward movement of the gypsumboard, whereby the gap between this and the ceiling becomes larger, canbe followed. In this way, the preadjusted freedom of movement of thegypsum board determines the dimension of the sealing profile and thus ofthe joint-sealing element.

As an example, it must be pointed out that the height of the shorterside of the mutually parallel sides of a wedge-shaped sealing profilewill be chosen as a function of the desired use of the joint-sealingelement, in which case the height for a single-boarded arrangement willbe chosen as approximately the thickness of one gypsum board and theheight for a double-boarded arrangement will be chosen as approximatelytwice the thickness of one gypsum board. In the case of a single-boardedarrangement, however, it is also possible to use the joint-sealingelement designed for a double-boarded arrangement.

As an example, it must also be pointed out that material and geometry ofthe sealing profile may be chosen in such a way that its hardness orcompressibility is adjusted such that the sealing profile is compressedto a well-defined height merely by the dead weight of the gypsum boardin the floor region, for example by constructing the sealing profile astwo layers of foam materials with different compression density. In thisway a correct spacing between floor and gypsum board can be adjustedwithout further measurement. This is necessary in particular wheneverdamage to the gypsum board by rising dampness must be prevented.

The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter on the basisof application of the joint-sealing element on a drywall of anarrangement comprising drywall studwork and seal, without restrictingthe scope of protection hereby.

To establish an inventive sealing arrangement for sealing a jointbetween two juxtaposed building parts of a building construction and/orof a building structure with at least one first building part, onesecond building part and the inventive joint-sealing element, thesealing profile is positioned in the lower region of the joint,preferably on the second building part, and is configured to seal thejoint from outside.

Preferably the carrier element is disposed on an end edge of the insideof the first building part. In particular, the carrier element is to befastened flush on the upper, inwardly facing, horizontal end edge of agypsum board.

According to the present invention, the first building part ispreferably a drywall and the second building part is a wall, a ceilingor a floor, preferably a ceiling, of a building construction and/or of abuilding structure.

According to the present invention, the inventive joint-sealing element,after being attached to a first building part, is disposed and mountedabuttingly with this on the second building part. In this arrangement,the joint-sealing element is positioned in the lower region of the jointand is configured to seal the joint from the outside.

In one possibility for sealing a connecting joint in dry construction,after a profile, especially a channel profile, has been attached to theconnecting building parts, such as a ceiling, wall or floor, theinventive joint-sealing element is positioned, fastened and mountedtogether with the gypsum board on or in front of that channel profileand on the connecting building part, preferably a ceiling. In a furtherworking step, a further gypsum board may be pressed onto the sealingprofile, for example at the front face, so that, in the case of adouble-boarded arrangement, the two gypsum boards are in contact withthe sealing profile via their respective top edge and thereby sealing ofthe joint is achieved. In order to permit movement of the gypsumboard(s) without causing a gap to develop between the sealing profileand the gypsum board or gypsum boards in the case of maximum movement,the sealing profile must be compressed during mounting of the gypsumboard(s). As soon as the gypsum board has been mounted, thejoint-sealing element is held in place by the precompression.Furthermore, any irregularities that were present are closed by thiscompression.

For this purpose, the material and the thickness of the sealing profileare respectively chosen such that the sealing profile does not hinderthe movement of the gypsum board(s) and at maximum joint width the topedge of the gypsum board(s) still remains in contact with the sealingprofile, in order to ensure adequate sealing against gases. The width ofthe sealing profile is preferably chosen such that it correspondsapproximately to twice the width of one gypsum board. It has been foundthat sufficient sealing may also be achieved when the width of thesealing profile corresponds to the width of only one gypsum board.

When the joint-sealing element is disposed together with the gypsumboard and then abutted with the ceiling and the channel profile,irregularities in all building parts can be evened out. Furthermore, thejoint spacing can be controlled by the subsequent positioning of thegypsum board as well as by the choice of sealing materials and/orgeometric configuration of the joint-sealing element.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, sealing of the joint canbe achieved when, in the case of a double-boarded arrangement, the twogypsum boards are mounted with a horizontal offset in such a way thatthe outer of the two gypsum boards (also referred to as the outer,second gypsum board) is mounted higher (i.e. closer to the ceiling) thanthe inner gypsum board (also referred to as the inner, first gypsumboard). In this embodiment, the thickness of the sealing profile ischosen to correspond to the thickness of one gypsum board. The first,inner gypsum board is mounted together with the sealing profile in sucha way that zero or little precompression of the sealing profile isnecessary. The second, outer gypsum board is attached at a horizontaloffset, i.e. it is mounted higher than the first, inner gypsum board, sothat it partly overlaps the sealing profile. In this case the sealingprofile and the gypsum board should bear sealingly on one another, inorder to seal the gap between the outer, second gypsum board and thesealing profile, especially against gases. Thus sealing is achievedbetween sealing profile and the second building part, such as a ceiling,a wall or a floor, as well as between sealing profile and outer, secondgypsum board.

An empty gap remains between the second building part, such as aceiling, a wall or a floor, and the outer, second gypsum board. In thecase of a vertical movement of the second building part or of the gypsumboards, this gap is completely available to absorb movement.

Depending on how far the outer, second gypsum board overlaps the sealingprofile (size of the offset), a movement in the other direction may alsobe absorbed. In this case, it is important that an overlap is stillensured between the second gypsum board and the sealing profile.Preferably, therefore, the dimension of the sealing profile is chosensuch that its thickness is somewhat larger than the thickness of onegypsum board and its height comprises somewhat more than the maximumpermissible movement of the building parts (maximum joint width).

By the fact that the thickness of the sealing profile is larger than thethickness of the gypsum board, the gypsum board is pushed against thesealing profile and somewhat compressed while it is being mounted,whereby the gap between sealing profile and gypsum board is reliablysealed, especially against gases.

In this type of mounting, maximum absorption of movement relative to thejoint width is possible. Furthermore, this type is verymounting-friendly, since firstly the first gypsum board can be mountedtogether with the sealing profile without the need to measure thespacing. Secondly, the second gypsum board can also be mounted withoutmeasurement of the spacing. Furthermore, this type of mounting permitsthe greatest possible freedom in the choice of material for the sealingprofile, since this is compressed only slightly and thus only slightrequirements are imposed on the compressibility of the sealing profile.

According to the invention, the joint-sealing element can be on allkinds of connecting joints in which one building part meets anotherbuilding part. Accordingly, the joint-sealing element can be applied onall profiles, even closed profiles or wooden beams, which must be sealedat a connecting face.

A particularly preferred application of the joint-sealing elementrelates to sealing the profiles in dry construction, wherein the firstbuilding part is a drywall, for example one or more gypsum boards, whichbear tightly against the profiles and are fastened to the studwork, andthe second building part is a wall, a ceiling or a floor of a buildingelement, for example a masonry structure or concrete building element. Afurther building part is a profile for positioning and fastening of thegypsum board, wherein it may be any of the profiles commonly used fordry construction, regardless of whether is has a slotted or non-slottedweb or slotted or non-slotted flanges. In order to permit verticalmovement of the gypsum boards, for example in the event of anearthquake, the gypsum boards are mounted to be vertically movable at aspacing from a wall, a floor or a ceiling. Thereby a space (alsoreferred to as joint herein) is formed between the gypsum board and thewall, the floor or the ceiling. This joint is filled by the sealingprofile of the joint-sealing element, so that the sealing profile sealsthe joint against sound and/or smoke and, depending on material of thesealing profile, also against fire if necessary.

Without restricting the scope of protection of the invention, theinvention will be described in more detail on the basis of specialembodiments of the joint-sealing element as well as its positioning. Inthese embodiments, the joint-sealing element is applied to theconnecting joints in drywalls. It is clear to the person skilled in theart that the joint-sealing element may also be applied tobuilding-structure joints of other types. It is also clear to him or herthat, by virtue of the different geometries of the sealing profile, itis possible for intermediate spaces known as cavities to be formedbetween sealing profile and carrier element.

A preferred embodiment of an inventive joint-sealing element 1 is shownin FIGS. 1a and 1 b. Joint-sealing element 1 has a sealing profile 3,which is positioned on the outer periphery of carrier element 2. Sealingprofile 3 has a round profile and a solid profile, wherein carrierelement 2 is positioned laterally on round sealing element 3.Furthermore, sealing profile 3 is surrounded completely, i.e. over itsentire circumference, by carrier element 2. Sealing profile 3 consistsof a compressible foam, which if necessary contains fire-protectionadditives, and carrier element 2 consists of a plastic film. Carrierelement 2 has a fastening region 4 oriented in the direction of thelongitudinal extent of the joint for fastening of the joint-sealingelement to a construction element of the building construction and/or ofthe building structure disposed peripherally on the joint. Fasteningregion 4 of the joint-sealing element is provided with an adhesivelayer.

A further preferred embodiment of an inventive joint-sealing element 1is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b . Joint-sealing element 1 has a sealingprofile 3, which is positioned on the outer periphery of carrier element2. Sealing profile 3 has a solid profile and a wedge profile, whereincarrier element 2 is positioned on the short side of the mutuallyparallel sides of wedge-shaped sealing profile 3. The shorter side ofthe mutually parallel sides of wedge-shaped sealing profile 3 isprovided for bearing on the profile and the inclined side of the wedgeis provided for bearing on the second building part. Furthermore,sealing profile 3 is partly surrounded by carrier element 2. Sealingprofile 3 consists of a compressible foam, which if necessary containsfire-protection additives, and carrier element 2 consists of a plasticfilm.

Positionings of joint-sealing elements according to various embodimentsof the present invention on a first building part are shown in FIGS. 3aand 3b .

Any geometric as well as material configuration of the sealing profileand of the carrier element mentioned in the foregoing can be combinedand used in any way in order to provide a joint-sealing elementaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 4a to 4c show the stepwise procedure for sealing a joint betweentwo juxtaposed building parts of a building element by means of theembodiment of an inventive joint-sealing element shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. To seal the gap between a ceiling 6, channel profile 9 of a drywallstudwork and gypsum boards 5, joint-sealing element 1, in the firststep, is positioned on end edge 7 of first building part 5 and fastenedby adhesive and, in a second step, is positioned together with thisbuilding part 5 on second building part 6 and fastened in the usual way,e.g. by screws or nails. Thereby sealing profile 3 is compressed and inthis way seals the gap between ceiling 6 and channel profile 9 as wellas the gap between ceiling 6 and gypsum board 5. Then, in a last step, afurther gypsum board 5 can be laid against the first gypsum board andpushed slightly upward in the direction of ceiling 6. Thereby sealingprofile 3 is compressed once again and in this way seals the gap betweenceiling 6 and channel profile 9 as well as the gap between ceiling 6 andgypsum board 5.

FIGS. 5a to 5c show the stepwise procedure for sealing a joint betweentwo juxtaposed building parts of a building element by means of theembodiment of an inventive joint-sealing element shown in FIGS. 2a and2b . To seal the gap between a ceiling 6, channel profile 9 of a drywallstudwork and gypsum boards 5, joint-sealing element 1, in the firststep, is positioned on end edge 7 of first building part 5 and fastenedby adhesive and, in a second step, is positioned together with thisbuilding part 5 on second building part 6 and fastened in the usual way,e.g. by screws or nails. In the case of use of a wedge-shaped sealingprofile, sufficient sealing is achieved by simply tilting the gypsumboard against the profile and the ceiling, so that the joint gapcorresponds to the height of the shorter side of the mutually parallelsides of wedge-shaped sealing profile 3. Thereby sealing profile 3 iscompressed and in this way seals the gap between ceiling 6 and channelprofile 9 as well as the gap between ceiling 6 and gypsum board 5.Installation is greatly facilitated by a wedge-shaped sealing profile,since the shape permits sliding or slipping into the correct position.Then, in a last step, a further gypsum board 5 can be laid against thefirst gypsum board and pushed slightly upward in the direction ofceiling 6. Thereby sealing profile 3 is compressed once again and inthis way seals the gap between ceiling 6 and channel profile 9 as wellas the gap between ceiling 6 and gypsum board 5.

A sectional view through a finished building element with the embodimentof an inventive sealing arrangement shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b is sketchedin FIG. 6. In particular, FIG. 6 shows the positioning of an embodimentof the inventive joint-sealing element 1 in a connecting joint ofdrywalls with a double-boarded arrangement.

A sectional view through a finished building element with the embodimentof an inventive sealing arrangement shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b is sketchedin FIG. 7. In particular, FIG. 7 shows the positioning of an embodimentof the inventive joint-sealing element 1 in a connecting joint ofdrywalls with a double-boarded arrangement.

As is obvious from the foregoing explanations, the inventivejoint-sealing element is particularly suitable for safely sealing abuilding-structure joint between two adjacent building parts in simplemanner, especially against sound and/or smoke and if necessary alsoagainst fire.

The joint sealing element of the present invention can be readilycompressed and deformed and thereby improved evening-out ofirregularities can be achieved, as can improved installation, e.g.simple laying around a corner, as well as improved sealing, e.g. whenseveral joint-sealing elements are made to abut against one another.

The method for sealing a joint permits simple execution and, with littleworking effort, leads reliably and without defects to sealing of a jointbetween two juxtaposed building parts of a building construction and/orof a building structure.

It has been shown that, in the event of fire, the sealing arrangementpermits better sealing of the joint between two building parts,especially between a drywall and a connecting building part, such as awall, a ceiling or a floor, and in this way better and durable sealingagainst sound and/or smoke and if necessary better and durable fireprotection can be provided, and it can be mounted reliably and free ofdefects with little working effort.

Application is very mounting-friendly, since no additional fastening ofthe joint-sealing element, for example to the profile or to the ceiling,is necessary. Accurately fitting placement of the joint-sealing element,for example against a profile or a ceiling, is also unnecessary, byvirtue of the fixation and fastening of the joint-sealing element duringmounting of the gypsum board on a profile. Mounting is thereforeremarkably easy, and the working effort for mounting the joint-sealingelement is greatly reduced. By means of the invention, therefore, safeand reliable sealing of joints between two building parts is achieved,especially between a gypsum board of a drywall studwork and a buildingpart adjacent to it, such as a ceiling, wall or floor.

Furthermore, it has been shown that outstanding imperviousness can beachieved with the inventive joint-sealing element, since goodcompressibility of the sealing profiles is ensured without additionalauxiliary means by the choice of the sealing materials and/or geometricconfiguration. By appropriate choice of the sealing materials and/orgeometric configuration, the invention also makes it possible to adjustthe correct spacing of gypsum board from the connecting building partwithout additional auxiliary means, in order to achieve the saidprecompression.

By means of the inventive joint-sealing element it is also possible toensure that, merely by the choice of the sealing material and/orgeometric configuration, sufficient material is installed to ensureexcellent imperviousness with maximum absorption of movement.

By means of the inventive joint-sealing element it is further possibleto seal irregularities of the surface of a building part safely merelyby disposing one building part against another building part, since thesealing profiles of the joint-sealing element are pressed sufficientlyfirmly against the surface of the one building part and simultaneouslyagainst the side faces of the other building part.

In view of the foregoing, it is obvious that the objects of theinvention have been accomplished. Since various modifications can bemade to the joint-sealing element described hereinabove, withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allsubject matters contained in the foregoing description be interpreted asillustrative and not in a restrictive sense.

1. A joint-sealing element for sealing a joint on a buildingconstruction and/or on a building structure, comprising: a carrierelement, and a sealing profile disposed on the carrier element, whereinthe disposed sealing profile has a predetermined geometry.
 2. Thejoint-sealing element according to claim 1, wherein the sealing profileis positioned on the outer periphery of the carrier element.
 3. Thejoint-sealing element according to claim 1, wherein the sealing profileis firmly bonded at least over part of its circumference with thecarrier element.
 4. The joint-sealing element according to claim 1,wherein the sealing profile has a solid profile.
 5. The joint-sealingelement according to claim 1, wherein the sealing profile has a hollowprofile.
 6. The joint-sealing element according to claim 1, wherein thesealing profile has a round profile, oval profile, wedge profile,polygonal profile, especially rectangular profile, square profile,parallelogram profile, Christmas-tree profile, semicircular profile ortriangular profile, preferably a round profile, oval profile or wedgeprofile.
 7. The joint-sealing element according to claim 1, wherein thesealing profile consists of a deformable material.
 8. The joint-sealingelement according to claim 7, wherein the deformable material is aslow-burning foam.
 9. The joint-sealing element according to claim 1,wherein the carrier element comprises a plastic, a plastic film, of afoam, a fabric, of a nonwoven, a metal, or a composite material.
 10. Thejoint-sealing element according to claim 1, wherein the sealing profilecomprises an intumescent material.
 11. The joint-sealing elementaccording to claim 1, wherein the carrier element has at least onefastening region oriented in the direction of the longitudinal extent ofthe joint for fastening of the joint-sealing element on a constructionelement of the building construction and/or of the building structuredisposed peripherally on the joint.
 12. The joint-sealing elementaccording to claim 11, wherein the at least one fastening region of thejoint-sealing element is provided with an adhesive layer.
 13. A methodfor sealing a joint between two juxtaposed building parts of a buildingconstruction and/or of a building structure with at least one firstbuilding part, one second building part and a joint-sealing elementaccording to claim 1, said method comprising: (1) positioning andfastening the joint-sealing element on an end edge of the first buildingpart and, (2) positioning the joint-sealing element together with thefirst building part on the second building part.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein (1) comprises fastening by an adhesive, ascrew, a dowel, a clamp and a nail.
 15. A sealing arrangement forsealing a joint between two juxtaposed building parts of a buildingconstruction and/or of a building structure with at least one firstbuilding part, one second building part and a joint-sealing elementclaim 1, wherein the sealing profile is positioned in the lower regionof the joint and is configured to seal the joint from the outside. 16.The sealing arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the carrierelement is disposed on an end edge of the first building part.
 17. Thesealing arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the carrier elementis disposed on an end edge of the inside of the first building part. 18.The sealing arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the firstbuilding part is a drywall and the second building part is a wall, aceiling or a floor of a building construction and/or of a buildingstructure.
 19. The joint-sealing element according to claim 9, whereinthe carrier element comprises a plastic film or a foam.